- no city sounds or traffic noise, just the soothing sounds of the Kapehu Stream and its many waterfalls, and the ocean breezes rustling the palms.

- no city lights and no road lights to dim the spectacular night sky.

- 2 streams, a wading pond, lush beautiful landscaping, fruit trees for your pleasure.
- complete privacy with no buildings blocking the ocean views.
- private hot tub: bathing suits are optional, because there's no one around to see you!
The Kapehu Retreat provides grace and elegance:
The recently built home was architect-designed to replicate a plantation manager's mansion from the sugar days, with many exquisite touches, such as wainscot paneling, high ceilings, copper railings on the wrap-around lanai, marble and hardwood floors, and views in several directions from every room. The very spacious living room has a romantic fireplace, and windows facing 3 directions with endless views of the lush Hamakua Coast and the ocean. In fact, every room in the entire house has beautiful views and windows facing at least 2 directions. The feeling is openness and expansive freedom, connecting you with nature all around. Even the spacious gourmet kitchen has ocean views that you can enjoy as you prepare your meals.
The Kapehu Retreat provides lots of amenities:
- high-speed satellite TV
- WiFi
- stereo system with speakers both indoors and on the lanai
- CD library of Hawaiian music
- washer and dryer in the marble-floored laundry room
- hot tub
- carport to park out of the rain and heat
- high-speed internet WiFi
4 bedrooms and 6 beds, 4 bathrooms.
Can accommodate up to 10 people.
The location is ideal because of its close proximity to everything you're coming to Hawaii to do and see. Thus it makes the perfect base from which to explore the entire island. You can stay in the same spot for you whole vacation, without having to check out and into different rentals. It's a short drive to all the sights:
The volcanoes national park with its many points of interest (not the least the live volcano!), hiking trails and lava tubes, is a short drive to the south.
All the spectacular waterfalls and scenic canyons and zip lines are along the Hamakua Coast just north of us.
The most pristine snorkel tide pools in all of Hawaii are on the easternmost point of the island. There are over 80 swimming beaches around the Big Island, and 8 of them are within a few minutes of our property.
Even if you wish to visit the touristy Kona side, it's less than 2 hours away, and a beautiful scenic drive whichever route you take.
Additional fees
Tax rate 13.42% of rent tax rate
security deposit $150 per stay
Cleaning fee $100 per stay Fees for additional guests may apply.
Terms
Standard Rate of $285/night is for 1 to 4 guests. Each additional guest $35/night.
5 guests: $320/night. 6 guests: $355/night. 6 guests: $390/night. 8 guests: $425/night. 9 guests: $460/night. 10 guests: $495/night.
The Kapehu house accommodates 10 maximum.
If you book directly with owner, we require a deposit of 20% and the balance is due 2 days before check-in.
The cleaning fee is variable between $70 and $175, based on the number of cleaning crew hours. Most of the time it's around $100, and guests who do some clean up before checkout can keep the cleaning fee at the low end of the range. When your security deposit is refunded after check-out, any remaining balance from your cleaning fee will also be refunded.
More details can be found on our website: www.kapehu.com.
Additional fees may apply:
- Hawaii state | 13% of rent | Hawaii requires 2 taxes on lodging which total 13.417% 2 streams, a wading pond, lush beautiful landscaping, fruit trees for your pleasure.

- complete privacy with no buildings blocking the ocean views.

- private hot tub: bathing suits are optional, because there's no one around to see you!

The Kapehu Retreat provides grace and elegance:

The recently built home was architect-designed to replicate a plantation manager's mansion from the sugar days, with many exquisite touches, such as wainscot paneling, high ceilings, copper railings on the wrap-around lanai, marble and hardwood floors, and views in several directions from every room. The very spacious living room has a romantic fireplace, and windows facing 3 directions with endless views of the lush Hamakua Coast and the ocean. In fact, every room in the entire house has beautiful views and windows facing at least 2 directions. The feeling is openness and expansive freedom, connecting you with nature all around. Even the spacious gourmet kitchen has ocean views that you can enjoy as you prepare your meals.

The Kapehu Retreat provides lots of amenities:

- high-speed satellite TV

- WiFi

- stereo system with speakers both indoors and on the lanai

- CD library of Hawaiian music

- washer and dryer in the marble-floored laundry room

- hot tub

- carport to park out of the rain and heat

- high-speed internet WiFi

4 bedrooms and 6 beds, 4 bathrooms.

Can accommodate up to 10 people.

The location is ideal because of its close proximity to everything you're coming to Hawaii to do and see. Thus it makes the perfect base from which to explore the entire island. You can stay in the same spot for you whole vacation, without having to check out and into different rentals. It's a short drive to all the sights:

The volcanoes national park with its many points of interest (not the least the live volcano!), hiking trails and lava tubes, is a short drive to the south.

All the spectacular waterfalls and scenic canyons and zip lines are along the Hamakua Coast just north of us.

The most pristine snorkel tide pools in all of Hawaii are on the easternmost point of the island. There are over 80 swimming beaches around the Big Island, and 8 of them are within a few minutes of our property.

Even if you wish to visit the touristy Kona side, it's less than 2 hours away, and a beautiful scenic drive whichever route you take.

Additional fees

Tax rate 13.42% of rent tax rate

security deposit $150 per stay

Cleaning fee $100 per stay Fees for additional guests may apply.

Terms

Standard Rate of $285/night is for 1 to 4 guests. Each additional guest $35/night.

If you book directly with owner, we require a deposit of 20% and the balance is due 2 days before check-in.

The cleaning fee is variable between $70 and $175, based on the number of cleaning crew hours. Most of the time it's around $100, and guests who do some clean up before checkout can keep the cleaning fee at the low end of the range. When your security deposit is refunded after check-out, any remaining balance from your cleaning fee will also be refunded.

More details can be found on our website: www.kapehu.com.

Additional fees may apply:

- Hawaii state | 13% of rent | Hawaii requires 2 taxes on lodging which total 13.417%...Read more

About the owner

Marcy and Tom

Marcy and Tom

Map

Elegant luxury home, 20 ac, ocean view Hilo, Hawaii

Restaurants
Attractions
Nearby Rentals

Additional Location Information

Only 10 miles or 15 minutes from downtown Hilo, nestled in the lush Hamakua hillside overlooking the ocean. Twenty minutes from Hilo international airport.
The Hilo side of Hawaii is the lush and beautiful side, where all the streams and waterfalls and scenic canyons are. We have 2 streams and a small waterfall on the Kapehu estate. Five miles away is the spectacular Akaka Falls State Park. There are 2 gorgeous botanical gardens within a few minutes of the Kapehu estate and several zip lines. There are 8 black sand beaches within a few minutes drive (less crowded than the Kona beaches), where giant friendly sea turtles will come and swim with you. One of the best snorkeling reefs in the Pacific Ocean is just south-east of Hilo on the eastern point of the island.
Volcanoes National Park is 3/4 hour to the south; you'll want to visit it several times in order to see many of the sights. (From the Kona side you'd have to drive more than 2 hours to get to Volcanoes Nat'l Park.)
The Hilo side is cooler than the Kona side, because we have the sweet gentle trade winds constantly blowing in from the east. Also, we rarely-to-never get vog (toxic sulfuric acid smoke from the volcano) because the wind blows the vog away from us and toward Kona.
We searched for 8 years to find the very best location to be in Hawaii. We found it at Kapehu!

What Past Guests Are Saying

Overall Rating

Show Reviews

A FlipKey verified reviewer

Los Angeles

"The moast amazings grounds you will ever stay at!"

Left on 10/25/2013 for a stay in October 2013 | A FlipKey verified reviewerReviewed Oct 25, 2013Stayed Oct 2013

I just got home from my stay at this wonderful vacation home. Let me just say the grounds are amazing. This may have been the greenest place I have ever been. There are various fruit trees, with fruit available for consumption all over the property. Pineapple, guava, avocado, banana etc.
The house is very spacious and clean, with a great views from almost every room. Very private, but close to a lot of the attractions on the Hilo side. I highly recommend this place if you are staying on this side of the island.
The house is only 11 miles form downtown Hilo, close to the waterfalls, and about 45 min from Volcanoes National Park. If you're looking for a quiet getaway close to adventurous things to do, this is the place. Read more

Response from Marcy and Tom - 10/25/2013

Owner's response:

"The ultimate getaway"

Left on 04/30/2013 for a stay in April 2013 | A FlipKey verified reviewerReviewed Apr 30, 2013Stayed Apr 2013

After visiting 2 islands and doing touristy type things we were looking for a quiet get away. No upstairs neighbors nor next room neighbors. When we arrived in Hilo our goal was relaxation yet get familiar with the history of hi. Just a few miles from Hilo we found this cottage. More of a luxurious cottage, and not what they call the big house. We had a dwelling all to ourselves yet had we wanted to bring friends or family members there was plenty of room. The tree lined driveway was filled with birds singing and tree frogs chirping. The ceilings on the first floor were 8 ft. tall and also upstairs in the bedroom. We couldn't believe our good fortune. We had need for nothing, not even saran wrap or aluminum foil. This truly was our home away from home. We had fresh limeade or lemonade from the trees on the property every day. Even though there's a much bigger house on the property, there never was a time that you heard your neighbors. If you're looking for the perfect getaway contact Marcy and Tom you will not be disappointed! And you'll even come home with money left :)

"Far more than a vacation rental"

Left on 04/06/2013 for a stay in January 2013 | A FlipKey verified reviewerReviewed Apr 6, 2013Stayed Jan 2013

We absolutely loved this magical place. It's far more beautiful than the pictures portray - with a sense of grace and quiet understated luxury that made us feel nurtured. We've stayed in other vacation rentals in Hawaii and around the world, and we've come to expect certain things of a vacation rental - to be very clean, well-maintained, well-supplied with necessities, and conveniently located.
But now after visiting Kapehu, our expectations are higher: we now want an extraordinarily beautiful and special experience, too. I'm sure it will be hard to find anything that measures up to Kapehu.
We loved sleeping with all the windows open when it rained at night - it was like sleeping under a waterfall! And when it didn't rain we listened to the stream outside the window and the symphony of frogs and crickets. The weather was cool, but we didn't use the fireplace, we just piled on the extra blankets. Remember to pack sweaters and socks and rain jackets.
I know this place can accommodate at least 8 or 10, but if you can rent it for just 2 or 4, you'll have a better chance of immersing yourself in nature and experiencing the peaceful serenity of it.
The location was perfect, because we spent several days exploring the volcano national park, and several days visiting spectacular waterfalls - all of which are on the Hilo side. We went snorkeling one day at beautiful reefs on the easterm point of the island, and we took a sail boat tour to see whales with a guy named Captian Dan. We spent one day checking out the Kona side of the island, but it was crowded and touristy and felt dsconnected from nature, and couldn't wait to get back to Kapehu and the East side.
The only drawback was that our trip was too short - we had only 8 days. I could stay at Kapehu forever. We will definitely return.

"Luxury on the Big Island"

Left on 12/30/2012 for a stay in December 2012 | A FlipKey verified reviewerReviewed Dec 30, 2012Stayed Dec 2012

Our 10 day stay was pure heaven. The large terrace with gorgeous views is delightful. The house is open, airy and more lovely than the photos show. It is well equipped and offers every comfort and convenience. The surroundings are lush and rural. Yet, Hilo is a short trip away. Fantastic!

"Above our expectations - lush paradise"

Left on 08/19/2012 for a stay in August 2012 | A FlipKey verified reviewerReviewed Aug 19, 2012Stayed Aug 2012

This home looks great in pictures, but you wonder, I've had hits and I've had misses. This is most definitely a hit. It's spacious, it a great layout, lots of space for everyone to spend time together in the living room chatting or by the fireplace. There is an Hdtv though with the view available from every large window from the kitchen, living room stretching to the master bedroom, it's hard to see you would use it. My wife and daughter along with another family stayed here in early august '12. We are all looking forward to returning. Some of our favorite things were:

1) Walking the property and picking fruit. We're city people so this was the first time picking any fruit and we got to pick papaya, avocado, guava, lemons all in one trip. (all on property)
2) Breakfast on the lenai. It's at least 15 minutes from the home to Hilo so it incented us to have breakfast at home. Big big ++ everyone's favorite part was sitting by the outside table (which can easily accommodate 8) and enjoying Hawaii fresh eggs.
3) Mornings waking up in the Master. The sun shines right in, your private sunrise everyday. If you get disturbed by light, take a back bedroom, if you don't you'll be in paradise each morning.

This home is pretty close to perfect In our opinion, but to set traveler expectations I would mention that Hilo is the rainy side of the big island so be prepared for some rainy days during your vacation (it is a very pleasant rain but none the less... that's why the place is so lush.) Also the internet access at the home is slow to the point of being unusable, the good news is you are a little higher and inland and our cell data connections were fast (att and Verizon) so it wasn't an issue. We have to slip in a mention for Tina's Thai kitchen in Hilo, wow, best chicken green curry (thai hot) I've had outside Thailand. Their other dishes we order were excellent too.

"So much beauty!"

Left on 02/24/2012 for a stay in February 2012 | A FlipKey verified reviewerReviewed Feb 24, 2012Stayed Feb 2012

We visited from Japan, my father and mother, my husband baby and I. We all have beautiful memories at Kapehu Retreat House. My father and mother said it was like a dream, so much beauty and luxury, so big. And for me, I could spend amazing days with the sound of winds in trees, streams, and the beautiful nature scenery! The property manager were very kind very sweet.
My baby was sick with fever, so we stayed at the house and not see many sights. We picked fruit and sit in the spa tub, and I cooked meals for my family in the big kitchen. We were very happy we stayed at such a beautiful place.
I hope I will come back again this house.

"Comfort and all the amenities"

Left on 02/17/2012 for a stay in December 2011 | A FlipKey verified reviewerReviewed Feb 17, 2012Stayed Dec 2011

We were so surprised to see that this home is larger and more beautiful than we expected. We own an orchard on the Big Island and visit less often than we like. Kapehu House was a great find. All the luxury appointments and conveniences are there. The furnishings are beautiful and the kitchen well stocked with everything a gourmet cook needs to whip up a meal. We relaxed in the hot tub every evening after a day in the orchard, looking out over beautiful landscaping and ocean. We built a fire in the fireplace one chilly evening. The master bedroom has a beautiful view over the veranda to the ocean and the sunken tub and shower made us feel pampered. Such a peaceful secluded luxury retreat! In the mornings we brought our breakfast onto the huge veranda and watched the sun rise in the sky. The four of us were easily accommodated in the main house, we didn't use the third bedroom or the attached studio which sleeps four!

"More beautiful than we even expected"

Left on 09/09/2011 for a stay in September 2011 | A FlipKey verified reviewerReviewed Sep 9, 2011Stayed Sep 2011

We had a wonderful time. The propery is beautiful and very well maintained - even nicer than the pictures, even better than we expected. The house is very homey, relaxing and private, decor is contemporary and very comfortable. We both just loved it, and feel a bit jealous - wish we could live in such a lovely place. We actually didn't spend a ton of time in the house, as we used it as a jumping off point for area activities, but next time we'll come back and spend some time just sitting on that lovely deck enjoying the views.

About Us

Love for FlipKey

As featured in USA TODAY and recommended by Travel + Leisure in its annual Villa Guide:

FlipKey Elsewhere

New to FlipKey?

FlipKey is a vacation rental marketplace with more than 300,000 rentals around the world. Find the perfect place to stay for your trip, and get great value along with the space, privacy and amenities of home.